I, The Aeon of Trailblaze, Trailblazing the Multiverse

"Why does Pom-Pom always single me out? So stingy," March 7th pouted, expressing her dissatisfaction.

Saya Takagi looked around curiously. "Huh? Everyone's here, but why hasn't Marikawa-sensei gotten up yet?"

Rei Miyamoto nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I knocked on her door earlier too, but there was no response."

Knowing the truth, Saeko Busujima quickly covered for her. "Marikawa-sensei was too tired yesterday and couldn't sleep in a new bed. She only managed to fall asleep after pushing herself, so we don't need to wait for her."

As she spoke, her gaze subtly shifted to Elias, who was leisurely eating breakfast nearby.

As a considerate woman, it was her duty to discreetly help Elias maintain his dignity. Even though Lord Elias was a god, he was still a male god.

Elias discreetly gave Saeko a thumbs-up in approval, silently encouraging her.

What a remarkable woman Saeko is, he thought. A Valkyrie on the battlefield and an excellent partner at home.

Saeko caught sight of Elias's subtle gesture, and her cheeks turned slightly pink, her heart swelling with happiness.

March 7th shrugged at the explanation. "So Marikawa-sensei couldn't sleep in a new bed? I thought it was something much more mysterious with the way Lord Elias put it earlier."

"You had me all curious."

Himeko, showing no suspicion, nodded. "Ah, so that's it. Then let's not disturb Ms. Marikawa."

"Since we still have some time before we reach our next stop, let's take this opportunity to assign responsibilities aboard the train."

"After all, this train is everyone's home now. With more people on board, we'll need to divide the workload."

Welt adjusted his glasses. "When the crew was smaller, there was no need to allocate tasks formally, but as the team grows, defining roles becomes essential."

Elias casually stuffed the last piece of cake into his mouth and leaned back on the sofa, propping his chin with his hand. "Himeko, you've already considered this before I even brought it up? As expected of my Navigator."

"You're truly showing the brilliance of your predecessors."

Himeko felt a wave of pride at Elias's praise. "You flatter me, Lord Elias. I still have much to learn. If I make mistakes, please guide me."

She then turned her gaze toward the group, who were now focused and a little anxious. This was especially true for Saya and Rei, who, despite being Pathstriders, were still unsure of their abilities. Household chores, however, were well within their comfort zone.

"I propose dividing the crew into two categories: front-line personnel and support personnel."

"Front-line personnel will handle tasks related to combat, while support personnel will manage non-combat responsibilities such as cleaning, repairs, procurement, and medical care."

March 7th immediately pounded her chest confidently. "Hehe, obviously I'm a front-line member. My archery skills are amazing!"

Himeko nodded. "March 7th, while your combat abilities aren't extraordinary, you're already among the elite for standard Pathstriders."

March 7th's ability, utilizing Six-Phase Ice, gave her formidable strength in battle.

Dan Heng spoke calmly. "I can do both—front-line and support."

Saya and Rei, catching sight of Dan Heng's composed expression, felt a cold sweat forming as they mentally complained, Dan Heng, you're so strong, and yet you're willing to do support work? How can we newcomers even survive?

Scrambling, they raised their hands.

"Umm, w-we don't have any impressive abilities, so we'll handle cleaning, cooking, or other support roles for now."

"We'll work hard to learn other skills in the future."

Saeko spoke with determination. "Even though my strength is still limited, I'd like to be part of the front line."

Himeko smiled reassuringly at Saeko. "Rest assured, Saeko, your abilities are far from weak."

With that, she opened a long box nearby.

Inside was a blade resembling a katana but with distinctive differences. Its red floral patterns glowed faintly, exuding a subtle warmth that hinted at its extraordinary nature.

The overall appearance of the weapon was strikingly similar to the mythical artifacts described in ancient legends.

"I finished crafting a weapon suitable for you last night," Himeko explained.

"Your Pathstrider power manifests as fire, so this blade is designed not only to channel energy but also to withstand extreme temperatures."

Saeko couldn't take her eyes off the blade. Almost instinctively, she accepted the sword being handed to her. The Pathstrider power within her was drawn to the blade, and in an instant, flames erupted along its surface.

"This… this is incredible. It feels just like a legendary artifact from mythology."

"But… this is too precious… I…"

Before Saeko could finish her sentence, Himeko interrupted her.

"This might seem priceless to someone from a less advanced world, but for me, it's just an ordinary sword I crafted in about half an hour."

"Combatants can't go without proper weapons."

March 7th casually displayed her own bow.

"Hey, Saeko, just take it. Look, Himeko also made me a weapon."

Saeko nodded, overjoyed but still reluctant to part with the blade even as she carefully sheathed it, holding it close to her side.

"Thank you, Himeko-senpai."

Himeko turned her gaze toward Saya Takagi and Rei Miyamoto, who were watching with envy and anticipation. She spoke warmly.

"You two haven't learned how to use your Pathstrider powers yet. Once you've mastered them, I'll gift you weapons of your choice."

"Thank you, Himeko-senpai!" the two replied in unison.

...

[Attention, passengers]

[The Astral Express is approaching its next stop: The Blue—Herta Space Station.]

[The train will soon dock at the station platform.]

...

Meanwhile, at the Herta Space Station platform:

Although the station had experienced an attack by the Stellaron Hunters, the staff had largely escaped unscathed. The most serious injury was a researcher who, while fleeing, tripped down a staircase and broke his leg.

Those who had been mentally controlled by Kafka were unharmed—every last hair on their heads still intact.

If no one mentioned the prior events, one might assume the commotion had been a prank orchestrated by the Masked Fools.

Herta stood on the platform, watching as the Astral Express slowly pulled in and came to a halt. Her high heels clicked against the floor as she walked forward, her purple eyes brimming with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.

"Previously, the Astral Express's methods of warp travel could still be deciphered to an extent."

"But now, I can't discern a single thing, and all my earlier observations have become entirely irrelevant."

"And they've even added new carriages."

She had attempted to study the Astral Express before, even experimenting with adding new carriages, but it had ended in failure. Forcibly attaching a carriage was possible, but it would lack even one percent of the original carriages' durability and functionality.

Click!

The train doors opened.

Himeko was the first to step out, followed by Welt, Dan Heng, March 7th, and four unfamiliar figures.

Herta approached, her eyes filled with anticipation, awe, and insatiable curiosity.

Among the four unfamiliar faces, her gaze was immediately drawn to the silver-haired young man with starry, spiral galaxy-like eyes and an otherworldly beauty that defied description.

Her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.

Could he be the Aeon of Trailblaze, Akivili?

As a genius renowned across the universe, Herta quickly composed herself outwardly, suppressing her excitement. She greeted Himeko calmly.

"Himeko, you're quite punctual this time. In fact, you've arrived several hours earlier than I anticipated."